The Science of Cleaning: Why We Clean and How to Do It Better

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The Science of Cleaning: Why We Clean and How to Do It Better

By : Kate Windle

Understanding the science behind cleaning is mandatory for healthy and hygienic living. Dusting hard surfaces, vacuuming carpets, and mopping floors are not enough for a clean abode. There is a lot more to keep dust, grime and lethal germs at bay.

Unfortunately, most people don’t know the importance of a spick and span living space, which in turn, affects them psychologically and physically in the long run. Being a responsible homemaker, you should know the frequency of house cleaning chores and the right methods.

If you are vacating a rental property soon, contact the best company for fully-insured and professional end of lease cleaning Sydney. They understand the science, mechanism and everything to help attain sparkling results for the final inspection. With their guidance, you can return the property in a spick and span condition and retrieve your full bond amount without getting into any dispute.

However, if you want to clean your home effectively, learn the science of cleaning, its importance and the right ways to banish dirt, dust and germs. This guide will make your work easier in maintaining a healthy abode all year round.

Let’s Get Started!

Why Do We Clean: Key Psychological and Practical Reasons

People engage in back-breaking housekeeping chores to promote a healthy environment, aesthetic appeal and mental wellness. So, here are some psychological and practical reasons to help understand the importance of regular cleaning:

1. It Promotes Good Health and Safety

Health experts agree that regular house cleaning is essential to maintain good health. Keeping all rooms, surfaces, and highly contaminated surfaces regularly can prevent the spread of disease-causing germs and bacteria. Cleaning, especially dusting, helps reduce asthma and allergy symptoms and improves safety in the home. In fact, regular cleaning of kitchen countertops, appliances, sinks and faucets can prevent the breeding of E.coli and other foodborne illness pathogens.

2. Improves Concentration Levels and Productivity

A dirt-laden or messy home can be visually distracting- making it difficult to stay focused. Cleaning can help achieve a well-organised and serene space, boosting your concentration levels and productivity. Make sure you get rid of clutter or unnecessary stuff from your home and make it look spacious and tidy. This will reduce visual noise, and allow your mind to concentrate for longer periods. In fact, implementing organisational systems, such as digital file management, labeled storage containers and regular tossing of junk promotes an organised, positive and productive environment.

3. Maintains the Aesthetic Appeal

Are you still wondering why we clean? A tidy and well-maintained home is crucial to elevate the curb appeal, especially when selling or vacating the property. Deep cleaning of bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, living areas, windows, carpets and floors can leave a great impression as it reflects your personality. That’s why tenants prefer hiring experienced professionals for quality end of lease cleaning in Sydney. They come fully equipped with all the tools and supplies to transform a dirty property into a sparkling glory.

4. Supports Mental Wellbeing

Studies have shown that people with cluttered homes are more likely to be stressed or depressed than those with a clean and organised home. A messed up home can evoke your stress levels and make you feel irritated. This can also affect your sleep quality and overall mental health. On the other hand, a clean and clutter-free home promotes emotional and mental benefits and reduces anxiety and gives you peace of mind and relaxation.

5. Reduces Maintenance Costs

Regular cleaning with the right products and methods can preserve the condition of different surfaces, such as hardwood floors, delicate carpets, upholstery, painted walls, polished furniture, tiles, and much more. Whether you are living in a rental property or own a house, make sure you pay attention to the HVAC systems and air filters, check for mould infestation in bathrooms, kitchen and other damp areas, deep clean kitchen appliances and regularly steam clean your carpets. This will keep them intact for years while reducing the overall property maintenance costs. Tip: It is good to follow the proven methods or hire professionals to achieve the best possible results without causing any damage.

Key Basics To Understand the Science of Cleaning

Here are some pivotal aspects to understand the science of cleaning:

1. Chemical Reactions of Cleaning Agents

Undoubtedly, cleaning products work via chemical reactions to break down or eliminate stains, grime and dirt. According to experts, there are five different types of cleaning agents, including:
  • Surfactants: Such as store-bought dishwashing soaps, stain removers, mould cleaners, etc, that allow the water to spread and dissolve stains.
  • Enzymatic cleaners: To eliminate complex organic stains, such as pet stains, blood and food spills.
  • Acidic cleaners: This includes white vinegar, lemon and citric acid to remove rust stains and calcium deposits from all surfaces except natural stones.
  • Alkaline Cleaners: These are basically ammonia-based cleaners. But you can use baking soda to remove oil, grease and protein stains.
  • Disinfectants: These are used to kill germs and bacteria from different surfaces.

  • It is good to use eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.

    2. Mechanical Action

    Removing mould stains, mineral deposits, and grime requires mechanical action. This means physical scrubbing, rubbing and wiping of the surface helps dislodge stains. Of course, you can use tools like scrubbers, soft-bristled brushes or sponge to apply a physical force and remove tough stains and grime from the surface. However, it is important to know which surface needs blotting, mild scrubbing or abrasive scrubbing. Thus, people prefer hiring professional cleaners because they understand the science and mechanical action of cleaning.

    3. Surface Interactions

    This is a crucial aspect. It is important to remember that different surfaces need different treatments. For instance, scrubbing carpet stains can damage its fibres. Similarly, using white vinegar on marble or limestone can cause discolouration. So, learn the properties and interactions with different cleaning products. Here is a complete guide on cleaning an amtico floor to perfection. You can discover more ways or hire professionals for quality cleaning.

    Tips to Clean a House in a Better and Effective Way

    Here are some pro tips and tricks to help attain a clean, shiny and hygienic home for your family:

    1. Dust From Top to Bottom

    First of all! Grab a clean microfiber cloth or duster with an extendable handle to dislodge accumulated dust and debris. It is always good to start with your ceiling fans and walls to prevent dust from setting on surfaces, such as couches or carpets that you have already cleaned. This will also help you cover all nooks and crannies when preparing for a rental inspection.

    2. Use Advanced Cleaning Tools

    Leverage the benefits of technology-driven cleaning gadgets to maintain a clean abode. You can invest in a robot vacuum machine, UV-C disinfection, steam cleaner, etc, to boost cleaning efficiency even if you are busy at work.

    3. Pay Attention to Natural or Biodegradable Cleaners

    Prepare DIY cleaners at home with vinegar, baking soda, lemon, hydrogen peroxide, castile soap, etc, to clean your windows, oven, microwave, carpets, bathrooms, and other surfaces.
  • White vinegar is a great solution for multi-purpose cleaning.
  • Baking soda can help clean, disinfect, and deodorise all surfaces
  • Hydrogen peroxide is perfect for mould elimination
  • Lemon is a natural disinfectant.

  • 4. Clean Your House Frequently

    It is good to create a house cleaning schedule and involve your family in the process of maintaining a clean and shiny abode. Divide days for bathroom cleaning, kitchen cleaning, carpet vacuuming, and other important tasks. Preparing a weekly house cleaning checklist can make a huge difference and help you keep a clean, shiny and organised home without any elbow grease. If possible, you can include your kids and other family members in the process and delegate tasks depending on their age and potential. This will also help you stay consistent with your housekeeping chores.

    5. Follow Proper Cleaning Techniques

    It is important to follow the right techniques  for effective cleaning. Do not scrub the delicate surface hard or wipe down the glass surface with a newspaper. Make sure you mop your floors with a damp microfiber cloth and check the cleaning code before sprucing up your upholstery. If you are unsure how to clean a rental property, book seasoned end of lease cleaners in Sydney and secure your hard-earned bond money.

    Wrapping Up

    There is no rocket science behind maintaining a clean and shiny abode. Make sure you follow these basics and instil good cleaning habits to prevent the spread of dust, dirt, germs and illnesses in your home.